LAKKI MARWAT: Agriculture experts here on Wednesday called upon farmers to produce quality wheat seed so as to enhance yield.

They were speaking at a seminar organised by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in partnership with Model Farms Services Centre at Tajazai here. The seminar was aimed at enhancing the capacity of farmers in quality wheat seed production and management. Local growers and those from Karak, Kohat and Tank also participated.

The speakers included director bureau of agriculture information Abid Kamal, CIMMYT research associate Ghulamullah and agriculture officer from Nowshera Ishaq Khan. Local agriculture officer Ziaul Haq was also present at the event.

The experts urged the growers to select varieties resistant to disease and draught attacks and having qualities of producing high yield. “The field preparation plays a vital role in quality seed production, therefore the farmers should keep land levelling, history of field, crop rotation and weather condition in mind before starting sowing,” said an expert.

The agriculture department experts also underlined the importance of better irrigation and weeds management. They said that weeds could result in reduced seed yield and quality besides increasing disease risks.

They also urged the farmers to use new sacks for seeds, conduct fumigation in storage places and adopt preventive measures to keep seed safe from insect attacks.

HEALTH CARD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf local leader Mohammad Iqbal on Wednesday said that Sehat Insaf Card scheme launched by the provincial government was a revolutionary initiative towards providing better healthcare facilities to the people.

He was speaking at a function held here to start distribution of the health cards in union council Lakki city-I.

Mr Iqbal said that provision of free treatment facilities to the people was priority of the government. He said that deserving people would not face any hardship in getting free treatment facilities at the hospitals.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2017